A network approach to understanding psychosocial and economic factors in suicidal ideation among young adults

Abstract

Objectives

Suicidal ideation results from complex interconnections among psychosocial and economic factors. We aimed to identify factors associated with suicidal ideation and explore the patterns of their interactions within a network structure.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2022 Seoul Young Adult Panel Study, a representative sample of 4996 young adults in Seoul, South Korea. Suicidal ideation was assessed alongside demographic, economic, and psychological factors. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify psychosocial and economic factors associated with suicidal ideation. Subsequently, a network analysis was used to explore the structural relationships among these factors.

Results

The prevalence of suicidal ideation among young adults was 14.5 %. Logistic regression analysis showed some psychosocial (i.e., future orientation, happiness, social withdrawal, depression symptoms, and loneliness) and economic (i.e., debt, financial hardship, and objective and subjective income) factors were associated with suicidal ideation. Network analysis showed that depression symptoms and loneliness, as core factors within the network, had stronger connections to suicidal ideation compared to other factors. Other psychosocial (e.g., social withdrawal) and economic (e.g., financial hardship) factors were less directly associated with suicidal ideation but indirectly associated with it through the mediation of depression symptoms and loneliness.

Conclusions

Our analysis showed connections between psychosocial and economic factors and suicidal thoughts. Depression and loneliness were central, but other psychosocial and economic factors also played an important role through their connections to these key factors. A comprehensive and collaborative public health approach is important for reducing suicide risk across the population.